Green Infrastructure: Tugaloo Beach
Following the installation of the Rover Run dog park on the hillside next to the parking area for the Tugaloo Swim Beach, WATeR conducted a water quality monitoring program & it was determined that the beach water was subject to bacterial contamination after heavy rainfall events.
In response, WATER consulted with Julie Konkel, PhD, a Watershed Scientist & Coordinator with the Blount County Soil & Water Conservation District who recommended green infrastructure and led the effort for the project design and implementation. She was assisted by Madeline Walker, Natural Resources Conservation Intern also with the Blount County Soil & Water Conservation District for the Project Logistics & Implementation aspects dealing with the creation of a riparian garden and drainage swale.
The actual construction of the riparian garden and swales were performed under the direction of Caleb Morris, Properties Manager of the Tellico Village Property Owners Association (TVPOA). The Tellico Village Garden Club also worked in close coordination with the TVPOA for the installation of the riparian plantings.
These "green infrastructure" improvements were implemented in 2023, and included the installation of a rain-garden and drainage swale upslope from the swimming area and adjacent dog runs. These features were designed to slow, filter, and absorb stormwater, thereby reducing bacterial contamination before it reached recreational waters.
This section is under construction. We will add a site plan and information about plants selected for this riparian garden.